Fix Your Stuff Community Store

MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement

Introduction

Did your laptop go for an accidental swim? Logic board fried? Use this guide to install a new logic board in your MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Early 2013.

What you need

  1. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement, Lower Case: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the following P5 pentalobe screws securing the lower case to the MacBook Pro:

    • Eight 3.0 mm

    • Two 2.3 mm

    Edit

  2. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Lifting from the edge nearest the clutch cover, lift the lower case off the MacBook Pro.

    • Set the lower case aside.

    Edit

  3. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement, Battery Connector: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Peel back the warning label covering the battery connector.

    Edit

  4. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • Using the flat end of a spudger, gently pry the battery connector straight up out of its socket on the logic board.

    • Bend the battery cables back and out of the way, ensuring that the battery connector doesn't accidentally make contact with the logic board.

    Edit

  5. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement, AirPort/Camera Cable: step 5, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use a spudger or tweezers to pry the three AirPort antenna cables straight up off of their sockets on the AirPort board.

    • The cable connection points are fragile. Be careful to lift only on the connector, and not on the socket or cable.

    • To reconnect, align the connector carefully into position over the socket, and press it down firmly with the flat of your spudger.

    Edit

  6. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 1

    • Use the tip of a spudger to push the camera cable's plug toward the fan and out of its socket on the logic board.

    • The plug in the photo has six connections, but some models have twelve connections. The process of removing the plug from its socket is the same for both.

    • If the camera cable's plug won't come easily out of its socket on the logic board, fold back the rubber cover over the fan to gain access to the cable, then gently pull on the cable while using the spudger to gently push the plug out of its socket.

    • Be sure to push parallel to the board, first on one side, then the other, to slowly "walk" the plug out of its socket. Do not pry up, or you will damage the socket.

    Edit

  7. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Insert the flat end of a spudger underneath the rubber heat sink cover on the right fan.

    • Slide the spudger underneath the length of the cover, releasing the adhesive.

    • Lift the cover and flip it back so that you can access the cables underneath.

    Edit

  8. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to pull the AirPort/Camera cables up off the fan.

    • The cables are adhered to the fan, so peel them up carefully to avoid damaging them.

    • Carefully de-route the cables from the plastic cable guide.

    Edit

  9. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement, Rubber Hinge Covers: step 9, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement, Rubber Hinge Covers: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the rubber hinge covers up off the left and right hinges.

    Edit

  10. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement, I/O Board Cable: step 10, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement, I/O Board Cable: step 10, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement, I/O Board Cable: step 10, image 3 of 3

    • If your I/O Board cable's connectors have notches in the padding, you will need to release a locking lever underneath the notch in order to remove the cable. If this is the case, don't pry up on the connector until the levers are unlatched.

    • Using the flat end of a spudger, pry the I/O Board connector straight up out of its socket on the logic board.

    • During reassembly, connect this end first, as it does not flex.

    • In a similar fashion, remove the I/O Board cable connector from its socket on the I/O Board.

    • Remove the I/O Board cable from the MacBook Pro.

    Edit

  11. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement, Airport Card: step 11, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the single 2.9 mm T5 Torx screw securing the AirPort card to the logic board.

    Edit

  12. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • Grasp the sides of the AirPort card and lift it up to a shallow angle (5-10Ëš) to separate the light adhesive adhering it to the logic board.

    • Pull the AirPort card parallel out of its connector on the logic board to remove it.

    Edit

  14. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 2

    • Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the retaining flap on the right fan ribbon cable ZIF socket.

    • Be sure you are prying up on the hinged retaining flap, not the socket itself.

    • Starting at the top of the cable, slide a plastic opening tool under the right fan cable to free it from the logic board.

    • Use caution when freeing the cable, as it is strongly adhered to the logic board.

    Edit

  15. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the following three screws securing the right fan to the logic board:

    • One 4.4 mm T5 Torx screw

    • One 3.9 mm T5 Wide Head Torx screw

    • One 5.0 mm T5 Torx screw with 2 mm collar

    Edit

  16. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 1

    • Lift and remove the right fan out from the MacBook Pro.

    • When reinstalling the fan, it's easiest connect the fan ribbon cable as you drop the fan in place, rather than after you've installed the three fan screws.

    Edit

  17. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement, Left Fan: step 16, image 1 of 1

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the rubber heat sink cover up off the left fan.

    Edit

  18. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the following three screws securing the left fan to the logic board:

    • One 4.4 mm T5 Torx screw with 2 mm collar

    • One 5.0 mm T5 Torx screw with 2 mm collar

    • One 3.9 mm T5 Wide Head Torx screw

    • When reinstalling the fan and its screws, don't fully torque the screws until you've first installed all of them loosely, so that the fan can move a little and position itself properly as you insert the screws into their threaded standoffs.

    Edit

  19. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 18, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 18, image 3 of 3

    • Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the retaining flap on the left fan ribbon cable ZIF socket.

    • Be sure you are prying up on the hinged retaining flap, not the socket itself.

    • Starting at the top of the cable, slide a plastic opening tool under the left fan cable to free it from the logic board.

    • Use caution when freeing the cable, as it is strongly adhered to the logic board. If necessary, use an iOpener or hair dryer to heat the cable in order to soften the adhesive and make it easier to remove.

    • Lift the left fan out of the device.

    • When reinstalling the fan, it's easier to connect the fan ribbon cable as you drop the fan in place, rather than after you've installed the three fan screws.

    Edit

  20. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement, SSD: step 19, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the single 3.1 mm T5 Torx screw securing the SSD to the logic board.

    Edit

  21. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 2

    • Slightly lift the rightmost side of the SSD and firmly slide it straight away out of its socket on the logic board.

    Edit

  22. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement, I/O Board: step 21, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement, I/O Board: step 21, image 2 of 2

    • Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the I/O board data cable lock and rotate it toward the battery side of the computer.

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to slide the I/O board data cable straight out of its socket on the logic board.

    • Do not lift up on the I/O board data cable, as its socket is very fragile. Pull the cable parallel to the face of the logic board.

    Edit

  23. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 22, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the two 3.1 mm T5 Torx screws securing the I/O board to the logic board.

    • On some models, also removing the silver 3.5 mm T5 Torx screw from the heatsink can aid in I/O board removal.

    • Carefully lift the I/O board and remove it from the lower case.

    Edit

  24. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement, Logic Board Removal: step 23, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement, Logic Board Removal: step 23, image 2 of 2

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the left speaker connector up and out of its socket on the logic board.

    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry the right speaker connector up and out of its socket on the logic board

    • Be sure to pry on the cable head, and not on the socket itself. Prying on the socket may cause it to separate from the logic board.

    Edit

  25. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 24, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 24, image 3 of 3

    • Peel back the tape covering the top of the keyboard ribbon cable connector.

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to flip up the retaining flap on the keyboard ribbon cable ZIF socket.

    • Be sure you are prying up on the hinged retaining flap, not the socket itself.

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to push the keyboard ribbon cable out of its socket.

    Edit

  26. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 25, image 1 of 1

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the trackpad ribbon cable connector up out of its socket.

    Edit

  27. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 26, image 1 of 1

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the keyboard backlight connector up from its socket on the logic board.

    Edit

  28. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 27, image 1 of 1

    • Use the tip of a spudger or your fingernail to flip up the retaining flap on the microphone ribbon cable ZIF socket.

    • Be sure you are prying up on the hinged retaining flap, not the socket itself.

    • Pull the microphone ribbon cable out of its socket.

    Edit

  29. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 28, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 28, image 2 of 2

    • Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the display data cable lock and rotate it toward the DC-In side of the computer.

    • Pull the display data cable straight out of its socket on the logic board.

    • Do not lift up on the display data cable, as its socket is very fragile. Pull the cable parallel to the face of the logic board.

    Edit

  30. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 29, image 1 of 1

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to carefully pry off the rubber screw cap on the raised screw head near the MagSafe 2 connector.

    • The location of this screw may vary between models.

    Edit

  31. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 30, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the following six screws securing the logic board to to the upper case:

    • One 3.1 mm T5 Torx screw

    • One 2.5 mm T5 Torx screw

    • One 5.5 mm silver, raised-head T5 Torx screw

    • Two 5.7 mm T5 Torx screws

    • One 3.8 mm silver T5 Torx screw

    Edit

  32. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 31, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 31, image 2 of 2

    • Lifting from the side nearest the battery, rotate the logic board toward the top of the MacBook Pro.

    • You may need to slide the logic board a few millimeters to the left in order to get clearance for the ports along the right edge of the board.

    • Using the flat end of a spudger, carefully push the MagSafe 2 connector out of its socket on the bottom of the logic board.

    • Disconnecting the MagSafe 2 connector can be difficult. If you are only removing the logic board to temporarily get it out of the way, such as for a battery replacement, you may find it easier to simply remove the two 2.5 mm T5 Torx screws securing the MagSafe DC-In board, and then remove the logic board and MagSafe board together.

    Edit

  33. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 32, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 32, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the logic board assembly from the MacBook Pro.

    • While the logic board and fans are removed, use a can of compressed air and a soft, non-static brush to remove dust and other debris from the upper case and the logic board, particularly from the fan exhaust openings along the rear edge of the upper case.

    • When reinstalling the motherboard, make sure all cables, and the two rubber heat sink/fan covers, are visible and not trapped under the motherboard.

    • Second photo, clockwise from top: battery, right speaker, keyboard backlight, AirPort/camera, display, microphone, left speaker, keyboard, and trackpad.

    Edit

  34. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement, Heat Sink: step 33, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the four 3.5 mm T5 screws securing the heat sink to the logic board.

    • Grip both ends of the heat sink and lift it up from the logic board.

    • When installing the new heat sink, remember to replace the thermal paste underneath the heat sink.

    Edit

  35. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement, Logic Board: step 34, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement, Logic Board: step 34, image 2 of 2

    • Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the metal retaining flap on the HDMI data transfer cable.

    • Gently pull the HDMI data transfer cable straight out of its socket on the logic board.

    Edit

  36. MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 Logic Board Replacement: step 35, image 1 of 1

    • Logic board remains.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

45 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 3 other contributors

Andrew Optimus Goldheart

Member since: 10/17/09

508,613 Reputation

407 Guides authored

Badges: 44

+41 more badges

Team

iFixit Member of iFixit

Staff

118 Members

19,413 Guides authored

6 Comments

Very interesting. Thanks.

Question: is it possible to replace a Early 2013 Logic Board with a Late 2013 Logic Board? To be precise replace a Logic Board with GT 650M with a GT 750M ?

They are both for model A1398, they looks similar for positions of ports but I was not able to find anything that is confirming that they can swapped.

paper ab - Reply

I have this same question! Did you find anything?

vnbiggs -

The only difference I know regarding the A1398 is the display connector with a different number and position of the pins:

# A1398 Early 2013

# A1398 Late 2013/2014

# A1398 2015

the display connector and display circuit board is different on each of these, so if you want to swap the motherboard you should also swap the LCD assembly.

Diego Gallarate -

Here is the best Disassembly video for A1398 with dedicated graphics with commentary for beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz5I2ITi...

martin.fialka10 - Reply

The pictures throughout the Motherboard section show two different boards. One has a single chip heat sinked and the other has two chips heat sinked, There are other difference between the boards but that is a big one. Not sure which is correct for this model and year.

ElectBlue - Reply

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 5

Past 7 Days: 26

Past 30 Days: 104

All Time: 49,717